Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception, sold as Plan B One-Step® or Next Choice®, prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex, birth control method failure, or sexual assault. Emergency contraception may be taken within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse to avoid pregnancy but the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. Plan B One Step® and Next Choice® are useful for prevention of pregnancy only - they will not affect an existing pregnancy.

Emergency contraception is not as effective as other contraceptives and provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Emergency contraception is now available to those 17 or older without a prescription at pharmacies. Students, faculty, and staff age 17 and older can obtain Plan B® directly from the Forty Acres Pharmacy (SSB 1.110).

For UT students age 16 and younger, a prescription is required to obtain a prescription for Plan B One-Step®. To schedule an appointment call the UHS Appointments Line at (512) 471-4955. After hours, call the UHS 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at (512) 475-NURS (6877).